'I have failed you': David Folker to son

Convicted murderer David Folker sat, listened, and sometimes cried as victim impact statements were read during his sentencing hearing on Wednesday.

On Nov. 8, a jury in St. John's found Folker guilty of second-degree murder in the July 2010 death of his girlfriend, Ann Marie Shirran.

Shirran's mother, Diane Baggs, went first with her victim impact statement.

To Folker and others sitting in a St. John's courtroom she read aloud, "Losing a child is this mother's worst nightmare. The wound in my heart lies open, gaping, seeping. I will never see her, hear her voice, or touch her again."

Shirran was also the mother of Folker's son, who is now four years old.

"Her son will never feel her comforting arms again. There will be no firsts, no special days, no milestones shared with his mother," said Baggs. "He wonders where his mother is, and asks why he can't visit her."

Shirran's brother, father make statements

Dana Harrell, Shirran's brother, also spoke of the impact the murder has had on him.

"My anger is black and directed at David Folker," said Harrell.

"Since we lost Ann Marie, I have been in four jobs, lost a 30 year marital relationship. I lost my home. I have slept in my car, at my mother's. I squatted in an old house for almost seven months last year that is in considerable disrepair."

"I haven't been a big fan of life in recent years."

After killing Shirran in July of 2010, Folker dumped her body at Cappahayden.

Shirran's skeletal remains were found in September 2010.

In his victim impact statement, Shirran's father, Jon Baggs, wrote about that. Baggs was not in in court, but his statement was read for the record.

"The images of of Ann Marie's remains are etched in my brain, and will go with me to the grave," wrote Baggs. "The ironic thing...is that Ann Marie's worst phobia was that her body, after death, would be eaten by bugs and worms."

"It is heartbreaking to think that what happened was much worse."

Folker addresses court

After the statements were made, Folker addressed the court.

Of his son, Folker said, "I have failed you. I have failed you in every way."

To Shirran's family he said, "There's no way I can heal your pain."

Folker also apologized to the province, and said, "I have contaminated it."

He added, "I don't see anyway you can forgive me. I can't forgive myself."

The crown said Folker should not be eligible for parole for 18 years. Folker's defence team said eligibility for parole in 12 to 14 years would be more appropriate.

Folker will be sentenced on Dec. 17.